ways be a priority of the foundation. Funds raised through the foundation will allow GFB to take agriculture into classrooms across Georgia and teach the next generation the importance of farms and farmers and making healthy food choices. Consumer education is as important as childhood education in terms of food security and general awareness. Consumers have access to more information about how their food is grown than ever before, but often this information is incorrect. The foundation works to provide consumers with science-based information that helps them understand why farmers use the production practices they do and why agriculture is a national security issue. The foundation’s efforts to educate students and adult consumers will help secure a prosperous future for Georgia agriculture and economically viable communities across Georgia. Thanks to generous gifts from individuals, county Farm Bureaus and agribusinesses, the foundation has received more than $131,000 in donations as of April 30. The foundation raised more than $55,000 during its inaugural gala held March 7 at Stone Mountain where Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell performed. Leavell, who is a GFB member and timber farmer, spoke of his passion for conservation and applauded GFB for establishing the foundation. “I’m here tonight as a musician, but I’m really here tonight because I’m a tree farmer and I believe in conservation and the purpose of what you are doing with your foundation,” Leavell said. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation or learn more about the foundation, please visit www.gfbfoundation.org. You may also mail your tax-deductible donation to the foundation. Together, we can grow the future of Georgia agriculture. Jed Evans is executive director of the GFB Foundation for Agriculture.
Together we can grow the future. Please visit www.gfbfoundation.org to make your tax-deductible donation today! You may also mail a check to: GFB Foundation for Agriculture P.O. Box 7068 Macon, GA 31209
GFB forms foundation to fund ag awareness programs Late last year, Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) formed the GFB Foundation for Agriculture to raise funds for the numerous programs our organization coordinates to promote agriculture and increase consumers’ understanding of how their food is grown. For many years GFB has used our Ag in the Classroom, scholarship, educational outreach and leadership development programs to reach the public and achieve our mission of being the Voice of Georgia Farmers. These four programs will serve as the pillars of the GFB Foundation for Agriculture. GFB created its Foundation for Agriculture to build awareness, understanding and a positive public perception of agriculture through youth and adult education activities. Donations to the foundation will allow ag advocates to create greater dialogue with consumers, teachers, children and policy makers. The GFB Foundation for Agriculture is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation and donations are tax deductible under IRS Section 170. Through publicly and privately collected funds, the foundation will focus on increasing consumers’ understanding of agriculture by putting farmers and other agriculturalists in a position to share the wonderful story of agriculture. 24
By increasing consumers’ understanding of agriculture, we can help them make informed decisions on policy that affects where their food, fiber and fuels come from. With less than two percent of the American public producing the food that feeds and the fiber that clothes our nation, it is more important than ever for the ag community to work together to share our story and influence the future. Education is the long-term solution to public policy and consumer awareness issues. The foundation is working to educate consumers, policy makers, teachers and children about Georgia agriculture with science-based answers that provide a greater security for our food and fiber supply. “This foundation is going to give Georgia Farm Bureau the ability to partner with people involved in agriculture to educate people outside of agriculture so they understand farmers have their best interests at heart in terms of how we produce their food,” said GFB President Zippy Duvall. Two very important educational aspects of the foundation are Ag in the Classroom and consumer education. Helping children understand where their food comes from and how it gets from the farm to their plate using hands-on learning activities will al-
Photo by Brooke Hitchcock
By Jed Evans __________________________________________________________________________
Georgia Neighbors • Spring 2015